Verstappen started from ninth place – but despite this he was victorious – for the third time this season.
— It feels really good and wonderful. I am satisfied, stated the Dutchman in Viaplay’s broadcast.
Verstappen’s competitor and teammate Sergio Pérez started clearly better and had the lead for the first ten laps. Meanwhile, Verstappen focused on climbing from ninth to fourth. And after 20 laps he also took the lead – which he never let go of.
— It was a good race. I was able to stay out of trouble and lasted a long time with the hard tires. I think that was the deciding factor. It was a good victory, says Max Verstappen.
New podium for Alonso
Sergio Pérez finished second, five seconds behind Verstappen. The Mexican made the early conclusion that the initial tire choice was wrong.
— I think starting with medium was really bad, worse than expected. I have to analyze what went wrong because we had a bad race, he says after the race.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso claimed third place – for the fourth time in five races. The Spaniard was 26 seconds behind the winner.
— The car is fantastic, it was something of a lonely race. We expected a stronger opposition, but Ferrari was worse than expected today, says the Spaniard.
Points to Haas
Mercedes’ two British drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and sixth respectively, while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc took fifth and seventh respectively. Alpine’s two drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon followed next, while Haas’ Danish driver Kevin Magnussen grabbed tenth place and the final point.
With the new victory, Verstappen extends his lead in the WC. The next round will be decided in two weeks in Imola, Italy.